The former Manchester United and England defender is teaming up with Betfair for their ‘Defender to Contender’ project.

“Boxing is an amazing sport for the mind and the body,” he said.

“I have always had a passion for it and this challenge is the perfect opportunity to show people what’s possible.

“It’s a challenge I’m not taking lightly, clearly not everyone can become a professional boxer, but with the team of experts Betfair are putting together and the drive I have to succeed, anything is possible.”

And fans think is move into boxing is ridiculous.

“Rio Ferdinand confirming that he’s a f*****g idiot,” one fan wrote on Twitter.